Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity, continues to spread smiles one week after World Smile Day® this year through a storytelling event with Smile Train Philippines’ Ambassador / Miss World 2013Megan Young at partner hospital, Philippine Band of Mercy.

The actress and beauty queen visited Smile Train’s patients at the Philippine Band of Mercy to share the story of Simon, a bright, red cardinal, hatched from his shell with a big gap in his beak. Smile with Simon is a story of friendship, love, acceptance, and kindness written by one of Smile Train’s Cleft Community Advisory Council members and active supporter of the organization, Patricia Simon, a registered nurse who was also born with a cleft lip and palate. Having had cleft surgeries herself, Patricia has dedicated her life to advocating for those born with clefts all over the world.

“The story is one of love and acceptance and I am grateful to Smile Train for giving me the opportunity to share this message with the children. Similarly, by reading stories such as Smile with Simon to children with birth differences, I hope to boost their confidence and treasure their individuality when dealing with the world,” said Megan Young, Actress and Smile Train Philippines’ Ambassador. “It is always a pleasure to work with Smile Train. You can see the impact of their work when you meet the children they have helped.”

“For Smile Train, creating smiles and inspiring others to do acts of kindness should happen every day,” said Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Area Director for Southeast Asia. “We are grateful to have Megan come and spend time with the children and our local medical partners as we believe that she can continue to raise awareness and inspire others to spread smiles as well.”

For more information about Smile Train’s global efforts and to make a donation, please visit smiletrain.org.